1 KEE  Jessamine (GII) [BC]   Filly 2yo    1 ^1/16m   Turf 

Who ever said this was like riding a bike doesn’t realize that skinned knees can hurt.  After a long, long, long vacation, your old buddy Cozman is back to bring you closer to the track and how lucky can a guy get?  First race up is the Jessamine (GII)  going a mile and a sixteenth over the lush turf at KEE, my favorite place on Earth!  There is a lot on the line in this “win and you’re in” $200.000 stakes for the young ladies.  The gate is full with one on the AE list.

This is a wide open affair and I’m giving the slightest of edges to Hollywood Greek.  A two-time winner, she was closing well to be fifth beaten three lengths in the Natlama (GI) at WO in her most recent effort.  That was at a flat mile so the extra distance should lead to her style and breeding.  I like the post, jock and added distance, so she will get my nod.

I’ll put Notorious Dreamer in the second spot here.  She broke maiden in her first grass try and was a very respectable runner-up in the Sharp Susan over the GP grass in her most recent.  She was closing well over a damp course that day, and she’s another that looks to welcome the added distance.  The trainer is making waves for a relative newbie, and looks for the stables first GII win.

If it’s a graded affair, you can’t ignore Mb Stables and he shows up with the two-headed monster of All Inclusive and Mesquite.  Neither has a stakes win but you can’t let that detract from this barn’s abilities.  I think Mesquite has a big chance in this one as the well-bred daughter of Commanding was a solid third at The Spa in stakes company, and had the lead turning for home in that one.  Her stable mate was seventh in the fore-mentioned Natlama, only beaten three lengths, and beat Alw types in a head-turner at the distance, winning by six lengths.

Others with a solid chance includes Textes From My Exes, where she must overcome a poor post draw, Ready to Roll, who broke maiden in a stakes at LAD and I also would not ignore Audrey Hepburn despite a ninth place finish in the DMR Debutante.

I’m usually horrible at handicapping these 2yo stakes, so if you didn’t get a mention from me as a contender, it’s probably in the best interest of your charge.  It’s going to be a beauty so let’s find a good spot down next to the rail and give this one a close look.  We may see a future champion in the field.

Best of Luck to all!

– PICKS –

COZMAN  Picks  2 / 8 / 11

Willie’s Green Card   10 / 3 / 2

Scotty On The Rail  11 / 2 / 3

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES